Evaluation of a policy-based network management system for energy-efficiency

Energy efficiency features are being integrated in network protocols and management systems. Simulations can provide in put on how a particular algorithm would perform in different network conditions. However, building an environment that is able to comprehensively account for interactions between different network functions is difficult. A combination of emulation and implementation of major energy efficiency features provides a view closer to what may happen in a real deployment. Previously, we described a policy-based network management system that optimizes network paths with respect to energy efficiency. In this paper, we evaluate the system using software routers for emulating network equipment functionality. We discuss extensions we developed and trade-offs of employing a state-of-the-art Linux distribution to emulate an energy efficient router. The article then presents results from the evaluation of the management system and argues about the benefits of the emulation environment.